LSU has hired Texas defensive line coach Bo Davis, the program announced Wednesday.
However, sources indicate LSU may not be done filling out its defensive front.
An All-SEC nose guard for the Tigers who began his coaching career as a strength coach at LSU, Davis has grown into one of the top defensive line coaches in the nation. This season was a master class for Davis, having developed T'Vondre Sweat into the Outland Trophy winner and the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year while nose guard Byron Murphy won the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year award.
Bobby Burton of On Texas Football reported late last week that Davis was slated to spurn his alma mater and remain at Texas, but Brian Kelly eventually got his man. Sources told FootballScoop that Kelly placed hiring Davis at equal or greater importance to hiring a new defensive coordinator.
With Blake Baker in place to run the defense, sources tell FootballScoop that LSU is also pursuing Missouri defensive line coach Kevin Peoples -- a pursuit that continues with Davis officially in the fold.
If successful, it's logical that Peoples would coach edge defenders while Davis would primarily focus on interior linemen. Missouri is also striving to retain Peoples.
Peoples has coached with Blake Baker as Missouri the past two season. He also is quite familiar with Louisiana, having served on Willie Fritz' staff four seasons in New Orleans.
LSU is investing heavily in a defensive turnaround. Baker signed a 3-year contract averaging $2.5 million annually, and Davis was among the highest-paid position coaches in the nation, earning $1 million at Texas.
Wilson Alexander of The Advocate tweets Bo Davis' deal is three years, beginning at $1.25M then $1.35M and finally $1.45M.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.
Friday update> Sources confirm LSU has reached an agreement to hire Kevin Peoples away from Missouri.